During five days in Zambia, key discussions are taking place to shape and inform Africa’s agrifood systems under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Since its launch in 2003, the CAADP has been Africa's leading policy framework for agricultural and food security across Africa. 

Contributing to the Post-Malabo Agenda 

The Shamba Centre for Food & Climate is pleased to contribute to the development of the Post-Malabo Agenda. Last month, the Shamba Centre submitted two memoranda, the first focused on nutrition and healthier diets and the second focused on the financial gap confronting small producers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

The two submissions outlined strategies and mechanisms to boost stakeholder engagement and catalyse action over the next decade. They also emphasised the urgent need for a holistic approach that is crucial for ending hunger and securing healthy diets for all. 

The Post-Malabo Agenda process has established 14 technical working groups to address specific issues. Around 300 people gathered to review and finalise reports, which will be submitted for endorsement by African Union policy organs at the 2025 Summit in Kampala. 

The Shamba Centre is pleased to be involved in three working groups focusing on the principles and values of the CAADP, enhancing investment finance in agrifood systems, and food security, nutrition, health and food safety.

Understanding CAADP and the Post-Malabo Agenda 

CAADP aims to support African Union Commission Member States to drive agricultural transformation. Its goal is to maximise the contribution of agriculture to achieve the ambition of a self-reliant and productive Africa, and deliver economic growth and sustainable development for its people. This entails agriculture-led development that eliminates hunger, reduces poverty and food insecurity, and enables the expansion of exports and higher economic growth within an overall strategy of sustainable development and natural resource preservation. 

Now, in the 10 years since the Malabo Declaration, CAADP is approaching a new stocktaking moment. Since 2003, CAADP has delivered positive results: GDP and average incomes, agricultural output and productivity, agricultural trade, and agricultural investments have significantly improved. However, some gaps and challenges remain unresolved: the Biennial Review Reports indicate that countries are still struggling to achieve their targets and some countries continue to grapple with persistent issues such as hunger, malnutrition and inadequate investment. 

With the conclusion of the Malabo Declaration at the end of 2024, CAADP has embarked on an ambitious process to outline the CAADP Post-Malabo Agenda trajectory for the next decade. The Post-Malabo Agenda will be an opportunity to address the above challenges, consider emerging trends and opportunities, and establish the agrifood systems agenda for the continent over the next 10 years.  

The Shamba Centre is pleased to be a part of this process.